• Little Sis turns 6!
    birthday - parenting

    Little Sis turns 6! {Netflix birthdays on demand}

    November 28, 2017 - By 

    Today Little Sis turned 6! It’s hard to believe she is 6, its such a cliche but it really does feel as though she was born yesterday. We had her birthday party a few weekends ago so the house has been full of birthday cards, balloons, a birthday banner and presents. I was super organised and bought and wrapped all her presents a few weeks ago, so all I needed to do last night was bring the presents down – ready for this morning. I woke Little Sis early this morning as I was working. Fortunately she woke with a…

  • Easy Unicorn cupcakes {thanks to Lakeland}
    baking - homestyle

    Easy Unicorn cupcakes {thanks to Lakeland}

    November 28, 2017 - By 

    A few weekends ago my daughter had a party for her 6th birthday (which is actually today!). We bought the cake, a rather spectacular PJ Masks one, but wanted some special cupcakes to share with friends who were coming back for a playdate after the party. When I was shopping in Lakeland I spotted this rather fabulous Make your Own Unicorn Cupcake Kit. It was pretty pricey for a box of cake mix – but my daughter loves unicorns – so I bought it. The kit contained everything needed to make and decorate the cupcakes – cake mix, icing, sprinkles…

  • Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams
    homestyle

    Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams

    November 27, 2017 - By 

    Am I allowed to be smug and tell you I’ve finished my Christmas shopping? My husband took a day off a few weeks ago and we smashed my to do list. I actually found the stockings the most difficult as the stockings we have are huge! I fill them for 4 people so it takes a while to find little things to put in them. As well as getting the things people wanted I got a few extra special gifts. Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams I love to shop in-store and browse online. This year I found some lovely Christmas…

  • cupcakes to celebrate #TheStarMovie
    homestyle - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    November 27, 2017 - By 

    Happy Monday everyone, time for me to sit down and write my favourite Monday mindfulness post, focussing on the 5 happy things from the previous week. Last week was busy but good so it was a struggle to make a short list! Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things On Monday my daughter was invested into Beavers. I’m sad she gave up on Rainbows but I’m really hoping she’ll stick with Beavers (especially now I’ve bought the uniform and sewn on her badges!). The programme is really well structured and incentivises the children so I’m hopeful she will be as happy…

  • Speak Out Kids vs Parents {game review}
    Hasbro Toy Tribe - parenting - toy review

    Speak Out Kids vs Parents {game review}

    November 26, 2017 - By 

    Sunday afternoons are perfect for playing family games. We were recently sent the popular Speak Out Kids vs Parents from Hasbro to try out at home and we can’t wait to tell you what we thought! Speak Out Kids vs Parents Speak Out Kids vs Parents includes 6 plastic mouthpieces for kids, 4 plastic mouthpieces for adults, 200 double-sided cards (100 for kids and 100 for parents), a sand timer, and instructions. I’ve heard a lot about this game and was excited to try it out. The idea of the game is quite simple with this ridiculous mouthpiece challenge game! Players…

  • Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf
    Christmas - Elf on the Shelf - parenting

    Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf

    November 26, 2017 - By 

    A couple of years ago we started the Elf on a Shelf tradition in our house. I know not everyone likes the idea of Elf on a Shelf but I think it’s fun and so do my children. Last year was the first year I managed to move him every day of Advent and you can see a round up of what the Elf got up to in this post. As well as our Elf we have the book he came with, An Elf Story. I also bought a little elf door to explain how he arrived in our house.…

  • 8 ways to hold onto summer vibes in winter
    homestyle

    Top tips for holding onto summer vibes in winter

    November 25, 2017 - By 

    In the depths of winter it can be hard to remember that everything is seasonal and although Summer is behind us, it’s not long until the shortest day (check out our winter solstice lamp craft) and we can look forward to Spring. I love living in the UK where life is totally shaped by the seasons. As a parent I get to enjoy the long days of summer with my children. Life is easier in the summer. You can wear minimal clothes, spend all day outside and eat ice cream and salad all day. The winter months are harder. It’s…

  • days out - Local Review - London - parenting

    A West End treat – The Gruffalo’s Child live

    November 25, 2017 - By 

    This morning we went into London’s West End for a special Christmas treat. We went to watch acclaimed theatre company Tall Stories perform a musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s awarding-winning picture book The Gruffalo’s Child.  We love anything by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler but we have a special place in our hearts for The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child. Last year we were lucky enough to watch Tall Stories perform The Gruffalo so we were super excited to see her follow in her father’s giant footsteps with a Christmas season in the West End! It’s a big…

  • Win Tumball and Beat The Flush games from Megableu
    competition - parenting

    Win Tumball and Beat The Flush games from Megableu

    November 24, 2017 - By 

    I’ve been sharing quite a few games recently as it’s something my children have discovered they really enjoy. Every Friday we try to have a Games Night where the children take it in turns to pick a game the whole family play. It’s something we all look forward to and makes a change from watching Netflix. There are some great games out there and today I’m going to tell you a little more about two games from Megableu – Tumball and Beat the Flush. Read on for your chance to win these games! Tumball from Megableu Tumball is new for…